Called to the Prairie

Called to the Prairie is a rare and unique account of early 20th century life in western North Dakota as recorded in the journals of Richard C. Jahn. A young seminary student from St. Louis he came to McKenzie County in the winter of 1915 to minister to five small Lutheran congregations there. Over the next year Jahn's daily entries provide an intimate view of life on the prairie and the homesteaders and ranchers he encountered. Between blizzards and floods wolf attacks and hazardous journeys he writes about late night card games cowpunchers dirty dishes prairie hospitality and a much-loved feisty pinto. Discovered in an old shoebox in 2002 Jahn's journals were accompanied by a treasure trove of personal photographs of the very people places and events he wrote about-faithfully reproduced in this unusual account and enhanced by extensive footnotes for historical reference. Called to the Prairie is a must-read for anyone who loves North Dakota history or the pioneering spirit.